1 Corinthians 16:2
What does 1 Corinthians 16:2 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 16:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 16:2 means
Paul directs each believer to set aside money regularly on the first day of the week, in keeping with how God has prospered them. This encourages thoughtful, proportional giving rather than impulsive or pressured responses. By storing it up beforehand, the church avoids last-minute scrambling when Paul arrives. The instruction dignifies every member’s participation—no one is too poor or too insignificant to share, and no one is compelled beyond their means. The rhythm of weekly provision cultivates discipline, equality of care, and readiness, so that when needs arise and couriers are appointed, the gift is already prepared in peace and order.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949On the first day of the week, let every one of you put by him in store, in measure as he has done well in business, so that it may not be necessary to get money together when I come.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862on every first <FI>day<Fi> of the week, let each one of you lay by him, treasuring up whatever he may have prospered, that when I may come then collections may not be made;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752On the first day of the week, let every one of you put apart with himself, laying up what it shall well please him: that when I come, the collections be not then to be made.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890On [the] first of [the] week let each of you put by at home, laying up [in] whatever [degree] he may have prospered, that there may be no collections when I come.
Context
This verse specifies the method for the collection introduced in verse 1. The emphasis is on regularity, proportion, and preparedness, ensuring that the offering is gathered without haste or confusion. Verses 3–4 will explain how approved messengers will deliver the gift to Jerusalem and whether Paul himself might accompany it. These steps highlight accountability and unity among churches, preparing the way for Paul’s subsequent travel notes and the commendation of coworkers who embody such orderly service.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 14:8
She hath done what she could; she hath anointed my body beforehand for the burying.
- Deuteronomy 15:11
For the poor will never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt surely open thy hand unto thy brother, to thy needy, and to thy poor, in thy land.
- 2 Corinthians 8:11
But now complete the doing also; that as there was the readiness to will, so there may be the completion also out of your ability.
- Luke 24:1
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came unto the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared.
- Acts 20:7
And upon the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, intending to depart on the morrow; and prolonged his speech until midnight.
- Genesis 33:11
Take, I pray thee, my gift that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it.
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